Jan. 3 - Opening Day 2023 Legislature

Members of Moms Demand Action, a gun violence prevention movement, welcome back members of the legislature.

The chandelier in the dome over the rotunda is lit on the first day of the 2023 legislative session.

Rep.Jess Hanson takes part in a news conference with advocate for the legalization of marijuana.

Sen-elect Gramt Haischild is surrounded by family as he grabs something to eat in the Capitol Ratskeller before the Senate convenes on the opening day of the 2023 legislative session.

Kit Tschida holds her sign outside the Senate Chamber as she joined members of Moms Demand Action for the prevention of gun violence .

Indigenous leaders from around Minnesota came to celebrate in the Capitol Rotunda the election of indigenous legislators and state officials with a drum circle and friendship dance on the first day of the 2023 legislative session

A Plant Management employee tries to keep the south ground floor entrance to the Capitol clear of snow.

Gov Tim Walz and his wife, Gwen, serve treats to a young visitor in the Senate Chamber attending the opening day of the legislature.

A members and their families have photos taken prior to Senate members being sworn in on the opening day of the 2023 legislative session.

Sen -elect Zaynab Mohamed hands her election certificate to the Honorable Natalie E. Hudson, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court prior to taking the oath of office. Sen. Mohamed will be the first Somali member of the Senate.

Sen Kari Dziedzic, left in purple, is sworn in along with the rest of the Senate on opening day of the legislature the by Honorable Natalie E. Hudson,

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Majority Leader Dziedzic is the first woman to lead the majority caucus in the Senate.

President-elect Bobby Joe Champion takes the oath of office as administered by Associate Justice of the Supreme Court the Honorable Natalie E. Hudson. Sen. Champion is the first black senator to be elected an officer of the Seante.

Sen. Babby Joe Champion addresses the Senate after accepting the office of President of the Senate.

Thomas S. Bottern was elected Secretary of the Senate receiving 67 votes of the members of the Senate.

The Seante Chamber on the opening day of the 2023 legislative session.

Ana Lois-Borzi holds her sign during a rally in the rotunda for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.

The House Chamber on the opening day of the 2023 legislative session.

Speaker Melissa Hortman addresses the House after being elected by the members. Speaker Hortman became the longest serving woman Speaker.

Speaker Melissa Hortman gets a standing ovation after addressing the House on the opening day of the 2023 legislative session.

Visitors leave the Capitol in near white-out conditions after attending the opening day ceremonies of the 2023 legislative session.